Sir Goodluck Etom Obi is the CEO of Gate gold Nigeria Limited. A native of Nnewi in Anambra State, he told SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online Magazine’s AZUH LILIAN why exercise is very, very important as well as the secret of his success as a business man. Excerpts...
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Sir Good luck Etom Obi, CEO, Gatefold Nigeria Limited. Gategold Nigeria Limited is into sales of gym equipment and installations.
What got you interested in business?
I am a typical Nnewi man. One way or the other, every Nnewi man has a blood of business in them. The good thing about Nnewi man is that they work hard to be at the top.
You donated a physiotherapy machine worth 4.9 million Naira to Igbobi Hospital, Lagos. What informed the decision?
I want to give back to the public because some people cannot afford the gym machine on their own or cannot be privileged or have access to that machine and in order to contribute my own token to the public, I am elevated to do that donation.
What expansion plans do you have for Gategold Nigeria Limited beyong Nigeria in the next five years?
In business, we talk about profit, gain and loss. When you have a passion for business, it goes a long way to drive it. So, in this business, we are driving because we have a passion and the belief that it will materializes at the end. Either big or small, we want to take the awareness to the least person in Nigeria. We want every home to have a fitness equipment. Exercise is like a multi-vitamin everybody must take everyday, exercise is for everybody irrespective of size and
age.
In essence, you are saying that exercise is meant for everybody?
Yes! Exercise is for everybody. Whether fat or slim. Exercise is also good for the slim people because you can be slim and not fit. One of the benefits of exercise is that it helps blood circulation. And for the heart to flow very well. Because everybody has a heart. It brings down the sugar level, it brings down cholesterol, even she wise, it keeps you moving and so many others. Without good health, that you can think of doing business. You need to take care of yourself before any other thing. The good news about this is that the earlier you start taking care of yourself, the better for you.
How can one identify a fit person?
There’s a machine that is used for that. We have that machine here. When you go on it, it will tell you how fit you are. It takes record of every of your system, organs and whatever. And then comes out with the result and recommendations of where you need to work on and Target.
What are the major challenges you encounter in the day to day running of Gategold Nigeria Limited?
Not only in Gategold Nigeria Limited. I am trying to pass this message to the government, the people in power, that they need to see exercise equipment, just the way they see medication.
People see fitness machine that it’s only the rich that can afford it and it is not true.
How affordable are your fitness equipment?
It’s affordable, depending on the type you want.
As a businessman, where do you draw your strength from?
God and passion. Before you do anything, you must have passion for it
What makes a good businessman?
It’s being consistent, honest and not being greedy. With these three things, you are good to go.
What other businesses are you into aside the fitness?
This is my major business, this is what i do.
What distinguishes you as a businessman?
What distinguishes me is creativity. Because it’s what you have that you give out even in business.
What is your definition of success?
Success for me is a job well done.
You are so humble in spite of all your achievements, why?
Humility is one of the key factors in life. Without being humble, I don’t think anybody can go far in life.
What is the greatest thing that God has done for?
Life! Because without life I am nothing.
What would you say has gotten Gategold Nigeria Limited where it is today?
When we started the business, we involved God for direction. We said God, we are going to partner with you in this business. Because if you start anything without God’s presence, it will not work . So, we decided to partner with God. We have been on that platform till date.
For how long have you been in business?
I have been in this business now for 20 years.
What does money mean to you because people believe you have so much money?
For me, money is meant to solve issues, when the need arises. And using money judiciously by spending wisely.
What is your dream for Gategold Nigeria Ltd?
My dream for Gategold Nigeria Limited is how Gategold can be a household name, when you talk about fitness. When every household in Nigeria has one.
What is the secret behind your youthful looks?
Fitness is the secret.
How often do you exercise?
Every day. Morning, 1 hour and evening 1 hour.
What are your hobbies?
Exercise
What is your favorite food and best colour?
Vegetable and fruits. My best colour is black.
Do you have (Gategold) branches in Nigeria?
Yes, Onitsha and Abuja.
How is your company coping with recession?
Recession, from what I am reading, is over. I believe it’s over; that we are no more in recession. If Nigerians can settle their bills in other countries, that means our money still has value. If Nigerians can settle their bills, which means they are no more in recession.
How do you think the government can best tactle recession?
I think they are doing their best. They are encouraging people going into manufacturing business. I tell people that the day we start having constant light, 24 hour light in Nigeria, we will be the Japan of African. The Europeans will come to live in our country, because we have a
good weather. If we can have constant light in Nigeria, things will work properly, because there is power.
What is your advice to the youths out there?
My advice to the youths out there is to be honest in their dealings. Honesty is the best policy.
